Eric Berger of Ars Technica returns to the show to talk about the recent crewed suborbital flights by Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, Blue Origin’s Project Jarvis and their future work, and what the chaotic arrival of Nauka means for the future of the ISS and international space politics.

This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 43 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Melissa, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Ryan, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Matt, The Astrogators at SEE, Chris, Aegis Trade Law, Fred, Hemant, Dawn Aerospace, and seven anonymous—and 618 other supporters.

Topics

• Eric Berger
• Eric Berger | Ars Technica
• Liftoff: Elon Musk and the Desperate Early Days That Launched SpaceX
• Here’s why Richard Branson’s flight matters—and, yes, it really matters | Ars Technica
• Blue Origin successfully completes its first human launch [Updated] | Ars Technica
• Despite Tuesday’s flight, Jeff Bezos is running out of time to save Blue Origin | Ars Technica
• Blue Origin has a secret project named “Jarvis” to compete with SpaceX | Ars Technica
• Bezos says he is now willing to invest in a Moon lander—here’s why | Ars Technica
• Nauka module’s near miss raises concerns about future of space station | Ars Technica

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• Music by Max Justus
• Artwork photo by Roscosmos